The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has extended its Food Intervention Programme to Kwara State with 25,000 bags of 10kg rice set to be distributed across the 16 local government areas of the state.

The ADF team led by the Group General Manager Human Resources, Dangote Cement PLC, Ahmed Gobir, was received by the Kwara State governor, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, at the Ministry of Agriculture, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital  on Tuesday(25th March, 2025.)

Mr Alabi expressed that the unwavering commitment of the Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr Aliko Dangote, in alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable is a great inspiration and one that is worth emulation.

The deputy governor assured that, “The rice, which will be distributed to indigent families across the state, comes at a crucial time, as our Muslim brothers and sisters observe the sacred month of Ramadan and our Christian brothers and sisters are in the season of Lent. It is an act of compassion that will provide much-needed relief to those who are fasting and in need.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this kind and selfless contribution. This gesture not only complements the ongoing efforts of the Kwara State Government to support vulnerable communities, but it also demonstrates the power of partnership between the public and private sectors in lifting our people out of hardship.

“We remain deeply grateful for the Dangote Foundation’s continued support for indigent people across the country. This generosity serves as a reminder of the importance of corporate social responsibility and the critical role philanthropists play in addressing poverty and hardship.

“I encourage other individuals and corporations to follow in the footsteps of the Dangote Foundation and similar bodies, as we work together to build a better, more inclusive society for all,” he said.

Malam Gobir, who represented the Chairman of the Aliko Foundation, stated that the ADF decided to partner with state government in the 2025 food intervention programme distribution to foster relationship between the private and public stakeholders, noting that out of the one million bags of rice for the 774 local government areas of the federation, Kwara State has received 25,000 bags for its 16 local governments which is aimed at cushioning the effect of economic hardship.

“The ADF is the philanthropic effort of Mr Aliko Dangote, and has been consistent in delivering different humanitarian projects across the federation.

“This is the second year in a row that the ADF is donating one million bags of 10kg rice worth N16bn for the 36 states and the FCT.

“This is not just a gesture of charity; it is a demonstration of our commitment to set Nigerians and Africans up for success, it is a testament to further foster the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s four-pillar goal in nutrition, health, education and empowerment. By providing these bags of rice, we aim to alleviate the immediate hunger and hardship experienced by many and contribute to the broader goal of food security in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

“As we move forward, the Aliko Dangote Foundation remains committed to identifying and addressing the pressing needs of our communities. We will continue to work tirelessly to support vulnerable populations, create opportunities for growth and development, and build a brighter future for all Nigerians.”

While giving the vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, AbdulAfeez Abolore, described the event as “historic,” adding that “the gesture of the Chairman of ADF is in consonance with the instruction of the Holy Book. With the Christians and Muslims observing Lent and Ramadan in this holy month, together with the continuous efforts of the Kwara State government, this will go a long way in solving some food deficit problems.”

The House of Representatives has passed through second reading four bills seeking the creation of additional states across the country.

The House also passed 38 other bills seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and provide various amendments in the ongoing Constitution amendment exercise by the 10th Assembly.

The 42 bills categorised under various headings to reflect their focus, were passed after their presentation for second reading at the Plenary on Wednesday by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvre, and seconded by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda.

The four proposed bills seeking the creation of additional states were; “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) by amending Part 1 of the First Schedule and Creating Additional Three States Oke – Ogun State, Ijebu State and Ife – Ijesa State and for Related Matters (HB. 1098) sponsored by Rep. Oluwole Oke.

Prominent Nigerian filmmaker Prince Daniel (ABOKI) has addressed recent media reports suggesting that he faced rejection in Kannywood due to his religion and in Nollywood because of his northern roots. In an official statement released to the public, the director of *Mai Martaba* unequivocally denied these claims and sought to set the record straight.

“My attention has been drawn to some publications with headlines suggesting that Kannywood rejected me because of my religion, and Nollywood because of my region,” Prince Daniel stated. He clarified that he had not granted any interviews to any newspaper or publication regarding the matter.

Providing context, Prince Daniel explained that the misunderstanding may have stemmed from remarks he made during a question-and-answer session at Nollywood in Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, earlier this month. He described how, while discussing the challenges faced during the making of *Mai Martaba* and its journey to the Oscars, he had touched upon issues such as insecurity in the North-West, financial constraints, and the complexities of navigating Nigeria’s segmented film industry.

According to Prince Daniel, he had mentioned feeling caught between the perception of Kannywood viewing his work as Nollywood and Nollywood identifying it as Kannywood, due to his northern background. “This explanation was made with the best of intentions—to help the audience in the room understand the segmentation of the industry in Nigeria and how challenging it was for us at the time,” he explained.

He emphasized that his comment was misunderstood and clarified his relationship with Kannywood. “For clarity, Kannywood has never rejected me on the basis of ethnicity or religion. In fact, it has been my greatest pillar of support as a filmmaker,” Prince Daniel affirmed, citing the overwhelming support he received from audiences and industry practitioners during *Mai Martaba*’s cinema exposure.

Prince Daniel expressed gratitude for the inclusive environment within Kannywood, where he has practiced his craft and enjoyed immense support without prejudice. “I say with every sense of responsibility that I am a Nigerian filmmaker, though of northern extraction. I reside in Kano, where I practice my craft, springboarding from Kannywood,” he added.

Looking ahead, the filmmaker reiterated his commitment to working with his colleagues and the founding fathers of Kannywood to elevate the industry’s standards. He underscored his mission to share northern stories with the world and create employment opportunities for youth, challenging stereotypical narratives that associate the North with conflict and banditry.

Prince Daniel concluded by reaffirming his dedication to fostering unity and excellence within Nigeria’s film industry. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues and the founding fathers of Kannywood to elevate the standard of our industry—telling our stories to the world and creating employment opportunities for our youth,” he stated.

Prince Daniel’s statement serves as a clarion call for collaboration and progress in the Nigerian film industry, celebrating the diversity and richness of the nation’s cultural narratives.